Thieves stole a charity box containing more than £150 during a Christmas lights switch-on celebration.

The money was taken from the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People stall during the Christmas lights event in West Malling High Street yesterday.

The thieves also stole a calculator belonging to the charity.

Charity worker Sue Brierly, who was operating the stall, says the thieves struck between 4.55pm and 5.05pm.

She said: “We were packing everything up and I suddenly realised the money had gone.

“It had £165 inside.

“Someone had obviously been watching and just waited for the right moment. It’s horrible.”

Anyone with information on the theft should call police on 01732 379217.